Have you always wanted to start your own business?
Or are already running one but need help to grow it?
Build A Business is aimed at small businesses, entrepreneurs and anyone thinking of starting their own business. It’s running across 8 Greater Manchester authorities, offering tailored help to support new businesses.
From Artisan Baker to Zumba Instructor, we can help you with whatever the type of business you’re focusing on.
Library services in Bolton, Bury, Manchester, Oldham, Salford, Stockport, Tameside and Trafford each have their own small business “champion” and are delivering a wide range of workshops and services including information surgeries, digital support including selling online and 3D printing, business planning and pitching for business.
Get help launching your business and gaining the skills and confidence you need.
Workshops include:
Module 1: Know Your Market, Get Competitive
– Giving valuable insights into unlocking the Business & IP Centre Manchester’s £5 million collection of UK and global business databases (including market research and company and financial information) to assess market potential and develop a viable business plan, upskilling you to ‘know your market’.
Module 2: Intellectual Property – Protecting Your Assets
– Find out the basics of Intellectual Property (IP) and how it can be important to a new business. Make sure your product, service, website and brand are protected from would be copycats or do not infringe others’ rights.
Modules 3 & 4: Power Up Your Business:
Covering the practicalities of starting up a business e.g. business planning, managing finances, finding funding etc.
These two 3-hour workshops cover the essential ‘nuts and bolts’ of starting up and running a successful enterprise, including:
• Legal structures
• Business planning
• E-commerce
• Cashflow, Finance and Tax
• Marketing
• Finding funding
• Pitching
You can book an appointment to see the local SME Champion, who will provide one to one support and create a business information plan for you, researching your business and market using the industry-standard database and resources available as well as signposting to other specialised help.
We can also help you get insights into protecting your intellectual property (IP), such as copyright and trademarks. Your IP can be a valuable asset and increase your profits.
Use the dedicated space to work on developing your business including desks, wifi, printing, PC access, and business books to borrow.
Meet other local businesses at regular networking events.
A core team based at the Business & IP Centre in Manchester Central Library are coordinating the project and supporting the local activity, as well as providing access to additional resources, such as online databases, 3D printing, and patent clinics.
“Build a Business in GM Libraries” is part funded by the European Union, with a grant of £1.3 million from ERDF funding, and managed by Manchester City Council. The project will run from January 2021-June 2023.